Nestled along the rugged Atlantic coastline of North Africa lies a hidden gem for surf enthusiasts – Morocco. With its stunning beaches, consistent swells, and a unique blend of culture, Morocco has emerged as a burgeoning surf destination that beckons wave riders from across the globe.
In this article, we invite you to embark on a thrilling journey as we unveil “10 of the Best Surf Beaches in Morocco.” Whether you’re a seasoned surfer seeking the perfect wave or a novice eager to catch your first break, Morocco’s diverse surf scene offers something for everyone.
From the mesmerizing point breaks of Taghazout to the untouched waves of Imsouane, each surf spot holds its own allure and charm. Join us as we explore the beauty, culture, and thrilling surf opportunities that await on the shores of this North African paradise. Morocco’s surf adventure is about to begin, so wax up your board and let’s ride the Moroccan waves!
Surfing in Morocco: A Point and Beach Break Paradise
If you are planning to go surfing in Morocco, below is our pick of the bunch when it comes to surf spots in Morocco. From rifling waves for advanced surfers to friendly beach breaks for beginner and intermediate surfers. These Moroccan surf spots are guaranteed to fill your stoke tank way up!
When to go Surfing in Morocco?
Surfing in Morocco offers a fantastic experience for both advanced and beginner surfers. The best time to catch the perfect waves in Morocco depends on the surf seasons and the abilities of the surfers.
The high surf season in Morocco runs from September to March, when the waves are largest and most consistent. This period is ideal for advanced surfers who are looking for thrilling and challenging rides. The winter months of December to February are especially great for experienced surfers, with powerful swells hitting the Moroccan coastline.
For beginners and intermediate surfers, the low surf season from April to August provides suitable waves to practice and progress their skills. During this time, the water temperature is warm and the waves are gentler, making it easier to learn and enjoy the sport.
Specifically, in September and October, the surf conditions in Morocco are particularly favorable, with the arrival of winter swells and the absence of strong winds. The waves are often accompanied by offshore winds and reef breaks, creating perfect surfing conditions.
The Moroccan coastline offers a variety of surf spots like Anchor Point, Hash Point, Killer Point, and Banana Point, among many others. These spots cater to surfers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Surf schools and camps are available to provide lessons and guidance for those who want to learn or improve their skills.
Whether you’re an experienced surfer seeking thrilling rides or a beginner looking for gentle waves, Morocco’s surfing scene has something to offer all year round. Make sure to visit during the right season and enjoy the amazing surf spots this beautiful country has to offer.
How to Get to Morocco?
When planning a surf trip to Morocco, it’s important to know how to get there. Luckily, there are several travel options to choose from. The most common way to reach Morocco is by flying into one of the country’s main airports.
Agadir Al Massira Airport is a popular choice for surfers, as it provides easy access to the surf spots along the Moroccan coastline. Another convenient option is Marrakech Menara International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities around the world.
Once you arrive at the airport, you have the choice of renting a car or getting a private transfer to your destination. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore different surf spots and enjoy the flexibility of having your own transportation. On the other hand, getting a private transfer is a hassle-free option, especially if you’re traveling with a large group or have a lot of surf equipment.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, getting to Morocco is relatively easy and convenient. So pack your surfboard, grab your wetsuit, and get ready to experience the amazing surf spots that the Moroccan coastline has to offer.
Another thing to remember is that the flight path that you take to reach Morocco will depend on where you’re coming from and which part of Morocco (north, central, south) that you want to visit. For example, to get to Taghazout, you’ll need to fly into Agadir. This is a roughly 25-minute drive from the town of Taghazout. People flying from North America will probably have a layover in Paris or Casablanca. People flying from Europe might be able to secure a direct flight depending on which country your depart from. For example: Paris offers direct flights, as does Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
Just note that if you’re bringing your own surfboard then you’ll most likely need to pay additional baggage fees. These fees vary from carrier to carrier – click here for the latest rates.
What to Pack for Surfing in Morocco?
There are of course surf shops in Taghazout and other Moroccan surf towns, but packing the right gear can save you time shopping around upon arrival (when you could be shredding). With that in mind, here’s our list of Morocco surf spots essentials:
- Surfboard
Surf camps like Rapture Surfcamps in Morocco have surfboards for beginners at our Banana Village surf camp. If you want something more high performance, a nose-rider longboard or a fish, then you’ll need to bring it yourself.
In regard to board types, anything that goes well on pointbreaks will be suitable. Also, it doesn’t hurt to bring a surfboard with a bit of extra volume given that the offshore winds can be quite strong.
- Wetsuit
Even though it’s sunny all year round, you’ll still need to wear a wetsuit for most of the year (you’ll be surfing in the Atlantic Ocean after all).
From October through to March we recommend a decent 3/2. Outside of these months though you can get away with a short arm or short leg wetsuit… or even boardshorts or a bikini if you’re brave. Just remember to wear sunscreen or some type of rashvest because that Moroccan sun can be rather intense.
- Clothing
During the peak learn-to-surf season (April to September), the climate around Taghazout and Central Morocco is dry and hot during the day or dry and cold in the evenings.
This means you’ll need summery clothing for daily adventures and something warmer for those chilly nights. A pair of runners for when you’re exploring the many oases and valleys plus some flip flops will also be suitable.
- Extras
If you’ve ever been to Indonesia or Mexico then you’ll know that contracting a gastrointestinal bug is a possibility – Morocco is no different.
It doesn’t happen to everyone on a surf trip but it happens enough that it pays to be prepared. Bring some electrolytes or charcoal pills if you want to avoid being hit hard by a rogue bug. As for local medical supplies, the pharmacy in Taghazout has a few essentials, however, it’s always good to have your own gear on hand.
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JOIN USTop Spots to Surfing in Morocco for Beginners
1. Essaouira, Essaouira
Essaouira is a fantastic beginner beach break in Morocco. Locals say that it’s an accessible and funny wave with lots of character.
It has a soft sand bottom and there are both left and right peaks to find. It’s also best on a high tide with a light north wind. When the swell size increases, beginners can find shelter from larger waves by surfing at the northern end of the beach (near the lighthouse).
2. Magic Bay, Imsouane
Otherwise known as The Bay, this is the most popular surf spot in the area of Imsouane. The sandbanks make it a friendly option for beginners, as does the fact that it’s one long continuously breaking righthand wave. Rides can run for up to 600 meters when the conditions are perfect, making it one of the longest waves in all of Africa.
3. Banana Point, Aourir
Banana Point is located near the village of Aourir and surprise, surprise… this is another righthand pointbreak. The only difference between this one and some of the others in this article is that Banana Point has no current and is relatively user-friendly – making it great for all levels (including rookies).
4. La Source, Taghazout
La Source provides a mix of beginner-friendly walls and A-frame peaks. These peaks wall up slowly before breaking closer to shore, which makes the waves here ideal for beginner surfers on a Moroccan surf trip. There are also both rights and lefts on offer, however, the lefts are rarer.
Top Spots to Surfing in Morocco for Intermediate Surfers
5. Panoramas, Taghazout
Panoramas is a sand bottom right hand point break that’s located on a long, sweeping beach. When it’s small it’s a great place for intermediate surfers to hone their skills or for beginner surfers to take that next leap towards becoming a certified shredder.
The vibe here is very cool and funnily enough, it doesn’t get as crowded as its neighbors. As the swell builds, the wave becomes more powerful, so make sure to check the forecast before you paddle out.
6. Hash Point, Taghazout
This well-known pointbreak wasn’t named because of its famous hashbrowns. Instead, it’s said that many people (lazy from smoking too much of Morocco’s most famous export) would surf here instead of walking up to Anchor Point.
Located smack bang in the middle of Taghazout, this fast righthander works well with a medium to large swell when the sand is in the right spot. Fun and mellow with some racy sections, it’s a classic intermediate surf break in Morocco.
7. Mysteries, Taghazout
Just north of Anchor Point is Mysteries – a world-class righthander that breaks over reef. It’s said to be more accessible than some of the other waves in the area, with rides that run for over 200 meters and barrelling sections. Hollow and fast, it’s a great surf spot for confident surfers looking to rip.
Top Places to Go Surfing in Morocco for Expert Surfers
8. Anchor Point, Taghazout
By now you’re probably praying for a punchy beach break, but we’re sorry to say that the advanced surf spots in Morocco are all point breaks. After all, surfing in Morocco is really just one long surf lesson about how to ride a point break!
With that being said, out of all the point breaks in this part of the world, Anchor Point is perhaps the most iconic. On its day it produces legendary rides thanks to the sand and reef bottom plus the fact that it holds swell that’s well overhead.
There are barrels, steep takeoffs, carving sections and more. If there’s one beach break or point break out of all the Morocco surf spots mentioned in this article worth surfing, this is it. A challenging yet rewarding wave for advanced surfers.
9. Boilers, Taghazout
People staying at surf camps throughout Morocco whisper the name “Boilers” in hushed tones. The reason being that this break is the site of a sunken shipwreck, whereby you can actually see its boiler (or steam generator) at the takeoff zone.
Tricky but incredibly picturesque, Boilers is a wave for advanced surfers. There’s a strong current when it’s big and the reef is rather shallow. The downside here is that injuries can and do occur, but the upside is that it tubes hard.
The faster you can go on a wave at Boilers, the higher your chances are of making the barrelling sections and coming out unscathed. If you’re surfing in Morocco and you want to test yourself, Boilers is the place to be.
10. Desert Point, Arhoud
While nearly all beginner surf beaches and all the point breaks in Morocco are known for their quality and beauty, Desert Point is known for its inconsistency.
Don’t let the fact that it doesn’t break as often as the other waves deter you though. This wave (which is for experienced surfers only) can produce a close-to-perfect ride when it’s on. Look to surf it on low tide when the swell is 1-meter plus. You’ll be rewarded with 500 meter-long walls that can make (or break) your surf trip in Morocco.
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